After almost a year of fighting for answers, Hackney Central Councillors finally got them for residents of Horton Road and Reading Lane on Monday night - after the council Cabinet considered a report which outlined a future for the site of the former Great Eastern Buildings on Reading Lane.After pushing for reassurances about the development plan, Hackney Homes and the council revealed that they are seeking a building of 3 storeys on the site and which will provide affordable apartments - much needed in Hackney.
Residents were fearing that an over-development on the site would take place, seeing a large building squeezed into a small plot size to maximise the profits raised.
Instead, officers listened to Alan and the residents and reduced the scale of what is sough for the site - however, there is more work to do. We will work with residents and ensure that the final proposals when they are brought forward later this year reflect the assurance that has been received.
Notable thanks go out to Stuart Bennett of Horton Road for his dogged determination on this subject and to Cllr Glanville for his support and time with residents.
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This is good news for the local area - given that developers are being given permission for very tall buildings nearby I am really pleased that the Council has approved a smaller scale development. And as someone in rented accommodation who would love to buy but am priced out of the area I have lived in for over 20 years I am pleased to see it will be affordable homes. So long as "affordable" does not mean "household income of over £60k" as they sometimes are!
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. The council hasn't agreed the scheme yet but assurances have been given that "affordable" will be for those on £30k-£60k.
We will keep you up to date about the progress of the scheme.